3 Places to skip the crowd in North Bengal

Want to cut off ties with the crowd for a few days?

Can't spare too many days for a trip?

Looking for places to visit but you are low on budget?

Are you bored?

Worry not, for the Raven is back with his tales of Himalayas. Just pack your things (don't forget to take a few books and earphones) and book a ticket to the North Bengal.

1. CHITREY

There are plenty of cabs available from Siliguri/Darjeeling to get to Manebhanjan available for both shared (cheap) and reserved (costly). From Manebhanjan you can either walk/trek 4 kms to reach Chitrey or hire a cab for 300-400 bucks. If you are not carrying heavy luggage I would suggest to trek to Chitrey since the road is so beautiful and covered with pine trees.

CHITREY HOMESTAY

This place is basically bugyals covered with green grass and Buddhist flags hanged around. There is also a monastery which might help you to attain little bit of peace of mind if you too are suffering from a dime a dozen dullsville. If luck permits you might be able to witness the beauty of Kanchenjunga. Since we went during monsoon, we didn't have that luxury.

BUGYALS OF CHITREY

There is a one home-stay which you can use for fooding and lodging at cheap rates. The Tongba(local alcohol) they make there is a must try.

TONGBA - A LOCAL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE

Overall, this is a perfect place to do nothing and just chill in the mountains with your loved ones. So, chop chop, start packing your bags.

NOTHING BEATS HANGING OUT LIKE THIS

2. TONGLU

STAND ON THE EDGE

To reach Tonglu you can reserve a car from Manebhanjan or you can trek a long distance from there. There is also another route where you have to go upto Dhotrey via car then trek for 4 kms to reach the place.

TONGLU IN WINTER

This is a small village, situated on the top of a mountain, near India - Nepal border, where mostly trekkers who are going to Sandakphu makes a stay. There are a few home-stays available at cheap prices although the food costs a lot.

DHOTREY TO TONGLU TREK ROUTE

TBH, Tonglu is my favourite place in the whole West Bengal. I can't even begin to describe how beautiful is this place and you won't get it either if you don't visit it yourself. So I'm going to upload a lot of photos of this place...

MONSOON IN TONGLU

I myself have been to Tonglu two times, in winter and in monsoon. Unfortunately first time, I didn't have my camera with me and second time, I couldn't take it out due to heavy rain.

WHEN THE FIRST LIGHT FALLS ON TONGLU

This place also offers mesmerizing view of sunrise and sunset and the night sky (if the sky is clear) is filled with billions of glittering stars which will melt your heart.

SUNSET AT TONGLU

I guess now you have got a gist of how amazing this place is and why it is my most favorite place in the whole state. So enough chit-chat, I'm setting off for Tonglu again.

3. TAKDAH - TINCHULEY

Cars are available from Siliguri and Darjeeling. Or you can reserve a car from where you are staying. You can visit Lepchajagat , Lamhatta, Takdah, Tinchulley in a single day via car. Although Lamhatta is a very beautiful place with pine forests, lake, I wouldn't recommend it for staying the night since nowadays this place has gotten very crowded. You can move to Tinchuley instead where significantly less sound of roaring vehicles won't disturb you.

PINE FOREST IN LEPCHAJAGAT

Ask your driver to stop at Lepchajat and Lamhatta on the way and check out the wonderful pine forest which will leave you in awe. Then move to Takdah, Tinchulley. There are beautiful tea gardens, monastery and a Kanchenjunga view point. The greenery will blow your mind away.

STREETS OF TINCHULLEY

I didn't really roam much in Takdah, spent the night in Tinchulley at a homestay that offered a beautiful view of surroundings.

VIEW FROM OUR HOME-STAY

That's it for this blog. I shall be back again with stories of more places nearby.

Stay tuned for more.

Dial your friends' numbers and start making the plans.